Part of the Gay Washington D.C. Guide — bars, events & things to do.
Washington D.C., Washington D.C.
A two-level gay bar near Thomas Circle with an upstairs dance floor.
The Green Lantern is a two-level gay bar tucked down Green Court, an alley off Thomas Circle at the southern end of the 14th Street corridor. It's been open since 2002, and its best-known night is Shirtless Thursdays, when men who check their shirts drink free for an hour. Downstairs is a relaxed neighbourhood bar with a popcorn machine and an attitude-free regular crowd; upstairs is a dance floor with a proper club setup. It calls itself D.C.'s queer Cheers, and that's the right register: unfussy, a little cruisy, and easy to fall into on a weeknight. The alley entrance makes it feel like a find the first time. For a visitor it's a short walk from the busier 14th Street bars if you want somewhere with less polish.
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